International Day Against Drug Abuse

International day against drug abuse

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual observance held on June 26th. It’s a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help for addiction. For those in addiction recovery, it can be a reminder of the struggles they’ve faced and the progress they’ve…

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Understanding the Role of Dopamine in Addiction

Dopamine & Addiction

Addiction is a complex neurological process that is driven by the brain’s reward system, specifically the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of addiction, making it challenging to quit without professional help and support. When we think about addiction, we often focus on the negative consequences of drug use:…

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First Zombie Drug Death in the UK

First Zombie Drug Death UK

A recent case of the Zombie drug and its deadly effects have been found in the UK, stirring worries about the drug being used widely. The tranquilliser Xylazine is used in veterinary practices to relax muscles and reduce pain in large animals, the use of it as a recreational drug has significantly increased and the…

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Pro Footballers Seeking Help for Growing Snus Addiction

footballers and snus addiction

Since 2018 there have been reports of Premier League footballers being seen with “snus”. However, use of the nicotine pouches is reported to have been widespread and popular among many pro players long before this, with Jamie Vardy quoted as stating he started using when he joined Leicester City Football Club in 2012. Since these…

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The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

trauma and addiction

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, often rooted in a person’s past experiences and emotional state. Trauma is one such experience that has been found to be closely linked to addiction. Trauma can cause a variety of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that may lead to self-medicating behaviours, including substance abuse. Research shows that…

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Lena Dunham’s Addiction Recovery: Celebrating 5 Years of Sobriety

Lena Dunham Addiction Recovery

Lena Dunham is a well-known actress, writer, and director who has been open about her struggles with addiction. In her memoir, “Not That Kind of Girl,” she revealed that she had been addicted to prescription drugs, specifically Klonopin, for many years. Her journey to recovery has been a difficult one, but it has also been…

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Patterns and Signs of Alcohol Dependence

A woman sat despondent on the floor: patterns and signs of alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterised by a strong and often uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol, even when it causes harm to one’s health, relationships, and overall life. If left untreated, alcohol dependence can lead to a range of negative consequences, including liver damage,…

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The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

Nutrition and Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that affects both the mind and body. While traditional addiction treatments such as therapy and support groups can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, proper nutrition is often overlooked in the recovery process. However, the truth is that good nutrition is critical for recovery from addiction. A balanced…

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What Are the Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men?

Gender bias and differences in addiction

Addiction affects each individual person differently, dependent on a variety of circumstances and factors, including but not limited to, family history, environment, mental health issues, or even genetics! This week on the New Leaf Recovery blog, we’re unpicking the relationship between gender and addiction. How exactly is addiction different between men and women, and why?  …

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The Hidden Struggle of TV Presenter Richard Osman: Overcoming Food Addiction

Food Addiction - Richard Osman's Story

Richard Osman is a well-known TV presenter and, more recently, best-selling author of The Thursday Murder Club.   Even though he’s been appearing on our TVs since 2009 on BBC’s Pointless, Osman has only spoken about his struggles with food in recent years.  It’s a daily struggle to deal with a food addiction for Richard Osman,…

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